Background: The defense and veterans pain rating scale (DVPRS) is a pain assessment tool combining a numerical rating scale (NRS) with descriptive words, colors, and facial expressions. This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the DVPRS (K-DVPRS) for postoperative pain assessment. Methods: This study included patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or robotic abdominal surgery. The original DVPRS was translated into Korean using a forward-backward method. Pain intensities at rest and during coughing were assessed at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively using the NRS and K-DVPRS, respectively. The EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire was also used. The validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the K-DVPRS were evaluated. Results: Of the 174 patients screened, 150 were enrolled, and 148 completed the study. The K-DVPRS had strong convergent validity with the NRS at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively (ρ: 0.75 to 0.78, all P < 0.001). Construct validity was confirmed by significant differences in pain scores based on surgical extent and duration. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.77 and 0.85 at 24 and 48 hours, respectively), and test-retest reliability at 24 hours was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.90 at rest and 0.95 during coughing).Responsiveness, measured by Cliff’s effect size, was high from preoperative to 24 hours postoperatively and moderate from 24 to 48 hours. At 48 hours, the K-DVPRS had stronger correlations with the EQ-5D-5L index and EQVAS than with the NRS. Conclusions The K-DVPRS is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for assessing postoperative pain in Korean patients.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine type3 (5-HT3 ) receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel, plays a critical role in synaptic transmission. It has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, could inhibit 5-HT3 receptor-mediated currents in NCB20 neuroblastoma cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to study effects of quetiapine on receptor ion channel kinetics and its competitive antagonism. Co-application of quetiapine shifted 5-HT concentration-response curve rightward, significantly increasing the EC50 without altering the maximal response (Emax ), suggesting a competitive inhibition. Quetiapine's IC50 varied with 5-HT concentration and treatment condition. The IC50 value of quetiapine was 0.58 μM with 3μM 5-HT and 25.23 μM with 10 μM 5-HT, indicating an inverse relationship between quetiapine efficacy and agonist concentration. Pretreatment of quetiapine significantly enhanced its inhibitory potency, reducing its IC50 from 25.23 μM to 0.20 μM.Interaction kinetics experiments revealed an IC50 of 5.17 μM for an open state of the 5-HT3 receptor, suggesting weaker affinity during receptor activation. Quetiapine also accelerated receptor deactivation and desensitization, suggesting that it could stabilize the receptor in non-conducting states. Additionally, quetiapine significantly prolonged recovery from desensitization without affecting recovery from deactivation, demonstrating its selective impact on receptor kinetics. Inhibition of the 5-HT3 receptor by quetiapine was voltage-independent, and quetiapine exhibited no usedependency, further supporting its role as a competitive antagonist. These findings provide insights into inhibitory mechanism of quetiapine on 5-HT3 receptor and suggest its potential therapeutic implications for modulating serotonergic pathways in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug effective in alleviating positive symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine receptor 2 (DR2). However, it is also known to produce neuropsychiatric effects by acting on various targets other than DR. In this study, we investigated effect of haloperidol on function of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 3 receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel belonging to the serotonin receptor family using the whole-cell voltage clamp technique and NCB20 neuroblastoma cells. When co-applied with 5-HT, haloperidol inhibited 5-HT3 receptormediated currents in a concentration-dependent manner. A reduction in maximal effect (E max ) and an increase in EC 50 observed during co-application indicated that haloperidol could act as a non-competitive antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors. Haloperidol inhibited the activation of 5-HT3 receptor, while also accelerating their deactivation and desensitization. The inhibitory effect of haloperidol showed no significant difference between pre- and co-application. Haloperidol did not alter the reversal potential of 5-HT3 receptor currents. Furthermore, haloperidol did not affect recovery from deactivation or desensitization of 5-HT3 receptors. It did not show a use-dependent inhibition either. These findings suggest that haloperidol can exert its inhibitory effect on 5-HT3 receptors by allosterically preventing opening of ion channels. This mechanistic insight enhances our understanding of relationships between 5-HT3 receptors and pharmacological actions of antipsychotics.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether a combined exercise (EX), including aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training, reduces fatigue and dyspnea, improves physical fitness, and if increased physical fitness after exercise is associated with attenuating symptoms in young adults with mild long coronavirus disease (COVID) symptoms. Methods: Twenty-eight young adults (aged 23±4 years) with long COVID were randomly assigned to either the EX group (n=14), which underwent aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training three times per week for 8 weeks, or the control (CON) group (n=14). Symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue were assessed using self-report questionnaires.Cardiorespiratory fitness was directly measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, while muscle strength was measured by isokinetic muscle testing. These variables were measured before and after the exercise intervention. Results: Compared to the CON group, the EX group showed improvements in symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak ), and peak torque, with significant interaction effects observed (p＜ 0.05). The EX group exhibited a mean difference of 2.9 mL/kg/min in VO2peak (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8−4.0) and 13.0 Nm (95% CI, 6.1−19.8) in peak torque compared to the CON group (p＜0.05). Improvements in VO2peak were negatively associated with attenuations in both fatigue and dyspnea after the exercise intervention (p＜0.05). Conclusion These findings indicate that EX training can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve physical fitness in young adults with mild long COVID. Structured exercise training may serve as an effective intervention to improve the health of those with long COVID.

Purpose: Several types of dermal fillers have been recently introduced and used for penile augmentation (PA). However, few studies have compared outcomes after the injection of different fillers. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HLA), polylactic acid (PLA), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMA) filler injections, which are the most commonly used for aesthetic purposes. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted for 24 weeks after a filler injection by a surgeon between March 2017 and December 2021. Healthy adult men complaining of small penis were enrolled. Penile girth, satisfaction, and injection-associated adverse events (AEs) were assessed at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 weeks after injection. Results: Of the 301 men who received filler injections, 125, 134, and 42 received HLA, PLA, and PMA fillers, respectively. The augmentation effect was in the order of PMA, HLA, and PLA, respectively, at 24 weeks (PMA vs. HLA, p<0.001; HLA vs. PLA, p=0.006). Satisfaction levels increased significantly at 24 weeks in all groups (each with p<0.001). However, the increase in satisfaction levels was smaller in the PMA group (PMA vs. HLA or PLA, p<0.05, for both penile appearance and sexual life). No serious or systemic AEs were recorded. Filler injection-associated local AEs in the HLA, PLA, and PMA groups occurred in 9 (7.2%), 16 (11.9%), and 6 (14.3%) men, respectively. There was no significant difference in AEs among the groups (p=0.299). Conclusions The augmentative effect was greater in the PMA group than in the HLA and PLA groups, whereas the increase in satisfaction levels was smaller in the PMA group. Our study demonstrated the clinical course of different types of fillers and suggests that the filler type should be selected after detailed counseling considering individual characteristics and preferences.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine current global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and to establish expert recommendations for its use, addressing the current lack of solid evidence and standardized guidelines. Materials and Methods: A 39-question survey was developed by senior Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts to comprehensively cover clinical aspects of RT. This was distributed globally via a secure online Google Form to ED specialists through the GAF website, international professional societies, and social media, the responses were analyzed and presented for frequencies as percentages. Consensus on expert recommendations for RT use was achieved using the Delphi method. Results: Out of 479 respondents from 62 countries, a third reported using RT for ED. The most popular treatment was low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%), followed by platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and their combination (14.7%), with stem cell therapy being the least used (3.7%). The primary indication for RT was the refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, with the best effectiveness reported in middle-aged and mild-to-moderate ED patients. Respondents were confident about its overall safety, with a significant number expressing interest in RT’s future use, despite pending guidelines support. Conclusions This inaugural global survey reveals a growing use of RT in ED treatment, showcasing its diverse clinical applications and potential for future widespread adoption. However, the lack of comprehensive evidence and clear guidelines requires further research to standardize RT practices in ED treatment.

Purpose: Identifying and managing risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is crucial because it impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity (PA), and their relationship with LUTS have not been well studied. This objective of this study was to investigate the association between PA and LUTS. Materials and Methods: A total of 7,296 men were included in this cross-sectional study. PA was quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week, and LUTS severity was assessed using the international prostate symptom score. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PA and LUTS, including voiding and storage symptoms. Results: The average age of the participants was 57.8 years, and the prevalence of LUTS was 41.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders, PA was inversely associated with the prevalence and severity of moderate-to-severe LUTS, showing a dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Compared to the minimal activity group, which engaged in <5 MET-hours per week of PA, the odds ratios for moderate to severe LUTS were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–0.97) for men engaging in 15–30 MET-hours per week, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.95) for 30–60 MET-hours per week, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62–0.84) for ≥60 MET-hours per week. The possible protective effect of PA was still observed in the additional analysis for voiding and storage symptoms showing the same dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Conclusions A higher PA level was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of total, voiding, and storage LUTS in a dose-dependent manner in Korean men.

BACKGROUND: Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome, which results from prolonged glucocorticoid treatment, is associated with metabolic abnormalities. Previously, we reported the inhibitory effect of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (T-MSC CM) on glucocorticoid signal transduction. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of T-MSCs in a mouse model of exogenous Cushing’s syndrome. METHODS: Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome model mice was generated by corticosterone administration in the drinking water for 5 weeks, and T-MSCs were injected intraperitoneally twice during the third week. Serum lipid profiles were measured using a chemistry analyzer. HepG2 cells were treated with dexamethasone and co-cultured with T-MSCs.Expression levels of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism were examined using real-time PCR. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) protein levels were determined using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Liver RNA extracted from the CORT and CORT ? MSC mouse groups was used for transcriptome sequencing analysis and protein– protein interaction analysis. RESULTS: Weight reduction and improvements in dyslipidemia by T-MSC administration were observed only in female mice. T-MSCs reduce circulating LDL cholesterol levels by downregulating liver X receptor a (LXRa) and inducible degrader of LDLR (IDOL) expression, thereby stabilizing LDLRs in the liver. Transcriptome analysis of liver tissue revealed pathways that are regulated by T-MSCs administration. CONCLUSION Administration of MSCs to female mice receiving chronic corticosterone treatment reduced the circulating LDL cholesterol level by downregulating the LXRa–IDOL axis in hepatocytes. These results suggest that T-MSCs may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for managing exogenous Cushing’s syndrome by regulating cholesterol metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Bone defects are commonly encountered due to accidents, diseases, or aging, and the demand for effective bone regeneration, particularly for dental implants, is increasing in our aging society. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapies; however, obtaining sufficient quantities of these cells for clinical applications remains challenging. DW-MSCs, derived from embryonic stem cells and developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical, exhibit a robust proliferative capacity even after extensive culture. METHODS: This study explores the therapeutic potential of DW-MSCs in various animal models of bone defects. DWMSCs were expanded for over 13 passages for in vivo use in rat and canine models of bone defects and osteomyelitis. The research focused on the in vivo osteogenic differentiation of DW-MSCs, the establishment of a fibrin-based system for bone regeneration, the assessment of bone repair following treatment in animal models, and comparisons with commercially available bone grafts. RESULTS: Results showed that DW-MSCs exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation compared to other materials, and the fibrinization process not only preserved but enhanced their proliferation and differentiation capabilities through a 3D culture effect. In both bone defect models, DW-MSCs facilitated significant bone regeneration, reduced inflammatory responses in osteomyelitis, and achieved effective bone healing. The therapeutic outcomes of DW-MSCs were comparable to those of commercial bone grafts but demonstrated qualitatively superior bone tissue restructuring. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that DW-MSCs offer a promising approach for bone regeneration therapies due to their high efficacy and anti-inflammatory properties.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone mineral density due to an imbalance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity, poses significant challenges in bone healing, particularly in postmenopausal women. Current treatments, such as bisphosphonates, are effective but associated with adverse effects like medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, necessitating safer alternatives. METHODS: This study investigated the use of L-serine-incorporated gelatin sponges for bone regeneration in calvarial defects in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. Thirty rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a group treated with a gelatin sponge containing an amino acid mixture, and a group treated with a gelatin sponge containing L-serine. Bone regeneration was assessed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analyses. RESULTS: The L-serine group showed a significant increase in bone volume (BV) and bone area compared to the control and amino acid groups. The bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) ratio was also significantly higher in the L-serine group.Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that L-serine treatment suppressed the expression of cathepsin K, a marker of osteoclast activity, while increasing serine racemase activity. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that L-serine-incorporated gelatin sponges not only enhance bone formation but also inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, providing a promising and safer alternative to current therapies for osteoporosis-related bone defects. Further research is needed to explore its clinical applications in human patients.